Expect to be asked several probing, hardball questions during your next job
interview. The following are 10 typical stress questions and strategies on
how you might answer them.
*1. Could you tell me a little about yourself?*
This seemingly innocuous, open-ended question can be intimidating. If you
aren't prepared, you won't know what to say or how long to talk, especially
since the interview is just beginning.
Don't launch into a mini-speech about your childhood, schooling, hobbies,
early career and personal likes and dislikes. Instead, cite recent personal
and professional work experiences that relate to the position you're seeking
and that support your resume credentials.
"Everything you say about yourself should fit together to form a cohesive
pattern that conveys the message: I have unique qualities that make me the
right person to fill this position,"
One caution: This question is a great opportunity to sell yourself. At this
stage of the interview, however, it's best to remain concise and low-key.
*2. Why did you leave your previous employer, or why are you leaving your
present job?*
Don't be defensive, especially if you left due to problems with your boss or
co-workers. Career experts agree that it isn't wise to air your frustrations
about a previous or current job or co-workers during interviews. You may be
perceived as a chronic malcontent or difficult to work with.
Perhaps the best answer is that you're seeking greater opportunity,
challenges or responsibility. Don't use "more money" as a reason. It's
usually obvious that if you're changing jobs, you hope to obtain a better
salary.
*3. What are your greatest strengths?*
This question allows you to describe your strongest attributes and skills.
Be sure to mention assets that are directly related to the responsibilities
of the open job. Briefly summarize your work experience and your strongest
qualities and achievements.
Expert advises job seekers to include four specific skills that employers
value highly: self-motivation, initiative, the ability to work in a team and
a willingness to work long hours. Additional qualities employers admire
include good communication skills, loyalty, reliability, integrity,
promptness and self-confidence.
*4. What are your weaknesses?*
This question is potentially more harmful than helpful and can also
intimidate applicants. Realize that most interviewers don't expect you to be
perfect or reveal your true weaknesses. They're just probing for soft spots.
If you give a flip answer, or respond with, "Well, I don't really have any
weaknesses," you may be perceived as arrogant or lacking in candor or
self-knowledge.
Most career advisers recommend turning this question around and presenting a
personal weakness as a professional strength.
You can turn these weaknesses around by saying that you're very meticulous
and remain involved in projects until you've ironed out all the problems,
even if it means working overtime. This way you've cast your weaknesses into
positives most bosses would find irresistible.
*5. What type of salary do you have in mind?*
Interviewers usually ask this question to determine whether the company can
afford you. If possible, defer your answer until the end of the interview
when you'll know if you're a serious candidate. By answering too quickly and
stating a salary that's too high or too low, you may be disqualified from
consideration.
If the interviewer still insists that you name a figure, ask about the
position's salary range. If you don't receive a satisfactory answer and you
can't stall further, cite a figure that meets your requirements and the
standards within the industry. It's better to err a little on the high side
since the final offer is invariably going to be lower than you requested.
Then, say that it's the job, not the salary, that interests you.
Be honest if the interviewer asks what you're currently earning, or earned
previously, because the amount can be verified.
*6. What do you like most and least about your present job?*
This question allows the interviewer to gather clues about the type of
environment or corporate culture that suits you. Concentrate your answer on
areas that are relevant to the position and be specific.
When discussing least-liked aspects of your present or previous job, try to
mention an area of responsibility that's far removed from the functions of
the job you're seeking. This shows that you stick with tasks that don't
particularly interest you.
*7. Are you applying for any other jobs?*
Hardly anyone expects you to say "no" to this question in today's job
market. If you do, the interviewer may think you're either naive about
business conditions or not serious about job hunting. Instead, say you're
exploring several openings that might fit your talents and potential.
Don't say that you're already weighing job offers, however. You may be
viewed as uninterested in the job
*8. Why should we hire you?*
This question entices job seekers to really sell themselves.
The interviewer who asks you this is really probing your readiness for the
job, your ability to handle it, your willingness to work hard at it and your
fitness for the job.
Show your readiness by describing how your experience, career progression,
qualities and achievements make you an asset. Highlight your ability by
discussing your specific skills and accomplishments.
*9. Where do you hope to be in five years?*
Without saying you want the boss's job, describe where you would like to be
in your career in five years, as well as what you hope to have accomplished.
Employers prefer candidates who think in terms of the future and set
realistic goals.
*10. Do you have any questions? Can you think of anything else you'd like to
add?*
Don't say "no," or that everything has been thoroughly discussed.
By saying you don't have any questions, the interviewer also may assume
you're not interested in the job.
Have some intelligent questions ready that show you're knowledgeable about
the company and the opening. This presumes that you've done your homework.
